It is rare that a book leaves me as wholly satisfied as this one has. Though I have never been an avid reader of horror, this novel has quietly embedded itself in my thoughts, where it continues to linger. The prose is deftly crafted, the world-building richly textured, and the interplay between plot and character remarkably cohesive. Each element converges with purpose, creating a narrative that is as unsettling as it is compelling. Dark, visceral, and unflinchingly gory, the story captivated me completely. Its vivid imagery unfolded so clearly that I could envision it playing out cinematically before my eyes.

The description sold this book to me, but the book stands alone without needing any comparisons to other books by notable authors. It’s creepy, it’s suspenseful mystery unfolding as you go, it’s gory and it gives uncanny valley the whole way through which for me, is truly scary stuff. The book is told in the POV of different characters, James a widowed single dad, Quinn a young and naive journalist, and several patients of the local asylum where the methods of care are creative and bizarre. I loved this book, I inhaled it all weekend. I cannot wait to see what else this author produced in the future.

I’m not even sure how to start. This may be one of my favorites of all time. It is THAT good! It’s twisty and weird and chaotic but so, so much fun. I was captivated from the start and the whole story lead me on such a fantastic and odd journey. At no point did I fully expect what was coming next and each new discovery was delightful. I will definitely be keeping an eye and ear out for more from this author!!

Asylum(s) opens by introducing James McCartney, an orderly at Loveridge Falls Asylum. His job is demanding enough, but James also carries the weight of being a single father after the murder of his wife. As he struggles to raise his young daughter alone while working in such a harrowing environment, it is impossible not to feel sympathy for both of them. From the outset, Goodyear grounds the horror in strong emotional stakes, making James a compelling and relatable character.
The second part of the novel introduces journalist Quinn Parker, who arrives at the asylum to document the work of Dr. Madeline Montgomery. The doctor’s methods are highly controversial, aimed at rehabilitating the most dangerous and disturbed offenders housed within the facility. As Quinn begins interacting with both staff and residents, it quickly becomes clear that Loveridge Falls is not what it seems. Questions arise about Quinn’s presence there and whether she is part of something far more calculated—and far more dangerous—than she realizes.
What follows is a tense, unsettling descent into madness. Goodyear’s imagination truly shines as the story unfolds, delivering plenty of twists and an increasingly sinister atmosphere. The residents are deeply disturbing, and the author does an excellent job of pulling the reader into their fractured and horrifying mindsets. Each character feels carefully crafted and multilayered, adding depth to the growing sense of dread.
As Quinn spends more time at the asylum, the danger escalates—not just to her physical safety, but to her sanity as well. When even darker and more unsettling characters are introduced, the connection between Quinn and James becomes clear, revealing how essential each character is to the overall story.
Asylum(s) is sinister, shocking, and relentlessly suspenseful. With a tone reminiscent of Stephen King, it blends psychological horror with mystery in a way that constantly blurs the line between reality and madness. This is a terrifying, imaginative read that horror fans will not want to miss.